After dinner that night, the boys talked about their day. Matthew was the most vocal as he described his first day of sailing lessons. Charles spoke up a few times to clarify things when Matthew misspoke, but he too, was very happy with what they learned during their first lesson.
It was Kevin who told their 'dad' how Billy told everyone that if they didn't get their act together, they could lose their barbeques. That definitely got Mr. Ken's attention, so he asked Bill to explain what he meant.
Billy told Mr. Ken how again, no one had taken the initiative to ice down the sodas, or fill the ice, ketchup, mustard and relish dispensers. He explained that he called everyone together and told them they had to get their act together, with their new barbeque and Pavilion setup, or they would have big problems, or they could lose it.
Billy told his foster dad how he and Robert could get a big calendar and post a different Cover and their friends to be responsible for taking care of the barbeque on a different day. The teen explained that way they wouldn't have to assign someone every day and the boys would know well in advance which day they would be responsible for.
Robert spoke up and said it sounded fair. The teen said there were nine in his group and they were all going to be fourteen and could easily handle all the daily barbeque tasks. He said Charles and his friends were all thirteen and there were twelve of them and they could easily handle the barbeque.
Robert continued and mentioned that when it came to Kevin and Kyle they were both twelve, and so were their friends, and they each had eight, and once they were taught what to do they should be able to do the cooking and everything else needed to put on the barbeque. He added that a few of them have already cooked the burgers and dogs.
Robert then said that Matthew, being eleven, and his six friends being that same age might not be able to cook, but if they mixed his nine with Billy and his five friends they could complement one another and make it five groups that could rotate doing the daily barbeque, and share the responsibility to fill all four dispenses, prepare the tomatoes and onions and put the sodas on ice.
"Yeah, and the lifeguards ...; they could also be added to Kevin and Kyle's groups to give them some older teens. They eat the burgers and dogs, and we talked about it today, and they should be helping us, too," spoke up Matthew. That made Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne smile.
"Boys, it sounds like you identified a problem and have worked out a solution. I like what I've heard, but have all the boys signed onto it? And, have you talked to the lifeguards? And let me ask about your Supplies List. Did you check your supplies and give the list to Momma, so she could get everything you need for the weekend?
"I told you it would take time to work out the kinks in getting your barbeques together, now that you have the Pavilion, and having all the burgers and hotdogs, buns and everything else you need. I'd recommend you check the storage closet first thing tomorrow morning and get your list to Momma before lunch, so she can get your supplies before she goes home for the weekend," suggested 'dad' Ken
"But couldn't Mr. Wayne take us to the store to get what we needed if we forgot to tell Momma Maria?' asked Kyle.
Mr. Ken smiled at the question and answered the Estate Master could, but he wanted the boys to work out a system, so that they planned it out, that they wouldn't need to get an emergency resupply. Billy, Robert and Charles said they understood what he meant.
Kyle saw the lull in the conversation, so he nudged Billy to get his attention. Billy knew what was coming, so he got ready to support his youngest 'brother'.
"Ahh 'dad' ...; ahh, I know you said we couldn't have, you know, a sleepover before our trip, but ...; well, we, Billy and I ...; well, we wanted to ask you if you would kinda reconsider. We ...; we haven't had a big sleepover in like, forever, and Billy ...; he hasn't had all of his friends spend the night yet, and ...; and we could do it this Saturday," somewhat pleaded Kyle.
As the youngest twin Cover finished his appeal, the other boys chimed in with their support and asked their 'dad' to give it serious reconsideration.
Mr. Wayne just smiled at hearing Kyle's appeal to have a sleepover. He looked at his employer to see his reaction and all he saw was a smile, and what he thought were the wheels working in his mind. Then, Mr. Ken began to speak.
"Boys, I said there wouldn't be a sleepover for a reason. There were too many things going on before the trip that ...; well, I felt it wouldn't allow there to be a good time for a sleepover. Now, you're telling me that Saturday night would work. So ...; convince me.
"Your biggest hurdle is how you are going to feed fifty, or so, boys' dinner, and then breakfast. The second hurdle I see ...; is where will everyone sleep? It was a tight fit the last time, if I remember correctly. And, lastly, is there enough time to get the word out to everyone and what will you do Sunday? Will everyone just stick around, and, if so, are you going to feed them lunch, as well?" were 'dad' Ken's list of issues he had for the boys to answer.
The boys quickly grouped together to try to come up with the answers. The sleeping issue was taken care of by Billy taking over the MRS Room for him and his friends, while the rest of the boys would still use the areas they had before.
The evening dinner the boys reasoned could either be spaghetti or subway like sandwiches, or maybe even pizzas. Billy said they'd need to double the number of sodas they'd need for the weekend then.
Charles asked if they made already mixed pancake batter. He said they could use the Pavilion grill. The boys all laughed, but the teen said there were grill plates there they could place on the grill they could use to fix pancakes, and he knew they had pre-cooked bacon, and all they'd need to do was reheat it.
Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne were quietly listening to the boys and how they were solving the issues their 'dad' presented to them, before he would even consider allowing them to have a sleepover. The two men were pleasantly surprised they were working this out as a team, and not one person taking control.
The only issue the boys hadn't tackled was what to do for lunch. The boys said they had burgers and hotdogs, but they also said they would get tired of them after having them three times in two days. One of the boys suggested chicken. But that brought about a discussion of what they would serve with that. The boys felt defeated.
Matthew suggested that if they did pizza at night, they could do sandwiches for lunch. He said they could get the meats and breads and they already had the tomatoes, lettuce and onions and everyone could make their own. All the boys liked that idea.
Now it was Kyle and Billy who had to convince 'dad' Ken to let them have a sleepover, as it was they who brought up the topic in the first place. The other boys said they would support them as best they could.
"'Dad', I think we have solutions for all your concerns, that is ...; if you agree to them," announced Kyle. "For dinner, we can fix some sort of noodles and sauce and have a salad and garlic bread as we had before. All the boys can help. Or, they don't eat," laughed the younger twin.
Billy picked up the sleeping issue and said he and his friends would spread out in the MRS Room and leave his 'brothers' and their friends to spread out where they usually do.
Charles then said that they could buy premixed pancake batter and pre-cooked bacon and use the griddles on the grill up at the Pavilion to cook the pancakes and reheat the bacon. All they would need is lots of orange juice, milk, plates, napkins, forks, etc. for them to have breakfast.
Matthew spoke up next and suggested they buy sandwich meats and rolls and their friends could make subs, or hoagies, or big sandwiches for lunch, and he reminded them all, that they already had the tomatoes, lettuce and onions and they would just need extra sodas and whatever else they thought of, like maybe different types of chips.
Mr. Ken told the boys how impressed he was with the way they quickly came up with a way to have their sleepover. He asked them, then, who was going to ramrod all of those meals and get the boys to help keep them in order.
Billy stood right up and said he would. "Mr. Ken ...; as the oldest, I'll take that responsibility! But I know you will be here, and I'll bet Mr. Wayne will be here, too. I also hope you will have Russell and Jordan work that night, so we can swim until about midnight.
"If they are, they can help me keep the boys in line. But my bet is, no one will cause any trouble as none of them want to be the first person banned from The Cove. If you allow us to have this sleepover, we'll explain it to them tomorrow, and that way they can plan it with their parents for Saturday night. All we need is your approval, sir," finished Billy, the oldest Cover 'brother'.
Mr. Ken was flabbergasted at how the boys planned the sleepover and made good arguments for having one. He couldn't find fault with what they intended to do, and they never once mentioned having Momma involved. He figured she would have to buy everything, but she wouldn't have to be here to oversee Sunday morning's simple breakfast.
"Boys ...; I am proud of you and the way you have this planned out. There are a few rough edges that will have to be smoothed out tomorrow, but ...; well, yes, I will approve your sleepover for Saturday night. I will also talk to the lifeguards tomorrow, and ask them to stay through midnight Saturday.
"Tomorrow, I want to see a meal plan and what foods and how much you'll need for each meal. Pull your friends together and get their input. Let me know if you are doing pizza or spaghetti. Pizza will be a bit more difficult as you'll probably need, at least, 25 to 30 large 18-inch pizzas and they'll probably be lukewarm by the time they get here.
"But cooking spaghetti for fifty won't be easy either, as those who were here know what is involved before and then the cleanup afterwards. Figure it out, boys and Mr. Wayne and I will help where we can. Now ...; is there anything else we need to talk about?" asked 'dad' Ken.
"Yea, 'dad'," began Matthew, "my friends ...; they want to know, who do they pay their money to, you know, for the sailing lessons."
Mr. Ken said that was a great question and he told Matthew and Charles to tell their friends to give the money to him or Mr. Chris, and that they will pay the instructors when the sailing lessons were over. The man then asked if there was anything else, they needed to talk about.
Since there was nothing else, the man sent the boys up to their rooms to settle down before going to sleep. But before Kevin got out of the Study, 'dad' Ken asked him to stay back. The other boys heard the request and they all filed back into the Study.
"Boys ...; this talk is between Kevin and me. Only he can say if you can stay," advised 'dad' Ken.
Kevin said they could stay, and then they heard 'dad Ken tell Kevin he shouldn't sleep his life away. He asked the boys to go to bed sooner at night if they felt they needed more rest, but to be out of bed by 9 a.m. and downstairs for breakfast, so they could get their day going.
Mr. Ken then reminded the older twin, and the rest of the boys, that when they are on their trip, beginning next week, they'll be getting up early in order to get out to the amusement parks. So, he suggested the boys stay used to getting up fairly early until they return. He then sent them all upstairs to their rooms.
The men eventually went upstairs to say goodnight to the boys. They started at Matthew's room. The youngster thanked his 'dad' for letting them have their sleepover. He told him he was afraid he'd get mad at them for asking, but he knew they needed one. The men laughed at the boy's reasoning.
The men went to the twins' room next and then onto Charles' room. There, 'dad' Ken asked his son if he really thought the sailing lesson today was worthwhile. Charles said he thought it was and was looking forward to sailing the small sailboat tomorrow, and then being able to start taking it out to practice. Dad Ken was pleased with his son's report.
When the men stopped at Robert's room, Mr. Ken asked his son about Bill taking charge up at the Pavilion and telling the boys about getting their act together to make the barbeques successful. Robert said he was happy Billy took charge, and added as the older 'brother' he has more clout and the boys would listen to him.
Mr. Ken asked him about the plan Bill mentioned, that they break it into five groups and they rotate the barbeque duty. Robert said he agreed they needed a way that everyone participated, and that was one way everybody got to do their fair share. The teen added the lifeguards needed to be included, too. Mr. Ken smiled at that suggestion.
At Bill's bedroom, the man knocked on the doorframe and Billy invited the men in. Mr. Ken told the teen he was proud of the way he took charge up at the Pavilion, and the way he came up with a way to involve all the boys in taking care of the barbeque for the entire day.
"Bill, I'm also seeing you are taking a leading role with your 'brothers'. Even Robert said he appreciated you taking the lead at the Pavilion today, and I saw what you did this evening when you all had to justify having a sleepover. I'd say you are beginning to fit very well into The Cove. Bill, keep doing what you're doing," said a smiling Mr. Ken.
The foster dad then gave the teen a quick hug and told the boy to sleep well and get working on those meal plans, first thing in the morning. Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne then said goodnight and departed from the upstairs for their own beds.
Charles and Matthew were up bright and early and downstairs eating their breakfast when their 'dad' came into the Kitchen Nook with his morning newspaper. The three Covers said good morning to one another, and then Chief went over to Mr. Ken for some behind-the-ear scratches.
Momma Maria brought breakfast over to her boss, along with a hot cup of coffee. The man thanked the woman and began to separate the newspaper into its relevant sections for easier handling and reading. The boys just snickered at the man's actions and continued to eat.
Robert and Billy came into the Nook just as Charles and Matthew were leaving to wait for their friends so, together, they could get their second sailing lesson.
The two older Covers said good morning to Mr. Ken and Momma Maria and then Billy took care of getting Chief fresh kibble and water and then gave her some behind-the-ear scratches. The teen washed his hands before sitting down to his Momma breakfast.
"Boys, after you get cleaned up, I would appreciate it if you would work with your 'brothers' on the meal plans and food needs for your sleepover. Also, please do an inventory of the storage room and get the list of things you need to Momma. That way she can get everything you need for the weekend. You may also need to go with her if the list is very extensive. Any questions?" asked 'dad' Ken.
The teenagers looked to one another, and it was Robert who replied that if they had any they'd talk to Mr. Wayne first, and then him. That was when the teens learned that Mr. Wayne wouldn't be there until twelve noon and they should find him.
Mr. Ken then reminded the boys that Ms. Taylor was coming to The Cove around ten that morning and that he would be busy with her for about an hour. He added they would then be going over to the office building to look over the new retreat at the top, so she could get a lay of the place and begin to formulate how she would furnish the new hideaway.
The twins arrived at the Kitchen Nook well before nine a.m. and they said good morning to everyone, including Chief. 'Dad' Ken thanked them for getting up early and having their breakfast. He then asked them, after they got cleaned up for the day, to work with their older 'brothers' on the meal planning and food requirements for the sleepover.
That was the second time Momma Maria heard her employer speak of a sleepover and she wondered when he was going to tell her about it, so she could make plans to cook for all those boys.
Mr. Ken knew he needed to say something to Momma, now that he mentioned the sleepover twice. He waited until she had served the twins their breakfast and refilled the teens their milk glasses.
"Momma, the boys convinced me to allow them to have a sleepover. They made the meal plans for dinner, breakfast and lunch, and not once did they mention your name," began Mr. Ken.
Momma was surprised that the boys said they didn't need her. She was shocked at first, then she was disappointed that she wasn't needed.
"Momma, the boys pulled this sleepover on me at the last minute for Saturday night, and I wanted them to prove to me they could put this on without causing you to have to feed fifty boys Sunday morning. I think they came up with a good plan, but they have to build their meal plans and make a list of what foods they need.
"You, of course, will get to go buy all of it, but if you think there is too much for you to get then you can take two of them with you to help carry it all. Let's wait to see what they come up with. We might even have to have Mr. Chris help as Wayne has to take Kevin to the dentist this afternoon," explained Mr. Ken.
All the Covers left the Kitchen Nook to get ready for their day at the same time. Kevin had forgotten he had a dentist appointment and would miss out on the burgers and dogs later.
Mr. Ken hurried to get ready for his day as Mary Taylor would soon be there. He called the Main Gate to remind them she would be there and that she was in the database, but hadn't been there much, except for the Grand Opening, and they were not to delay her after she showed them who she was.
The boys taking sailing lessons, went over their knot tying skills first thing, so they didn't forget how to do the basic knots sailors used. The instructors then took individual boys out to give them additional lessons on sailing, and how to tack up wind and then jibe down wind
Once the eight boys, who didn't get the chance yesterday to sail, had their time out with an instructor, the instructors had the boys' pair off, take the training sailboats out and try their hand at sailing. They boys started off a bit timidly, but soon were laughing and having fun.
Mr. Chris waited until he saw the instructors weren't talking to the boys to go out and talk to them about what would be a good next level sailboat for the boys to have fun sailing. The two instructors gave him the names of a couple of sailboats, and told him where there were some for sale. Mr. Chris thanked the men and said he'd check out the sailboats for sale.
Billy and Robert sat Kevin and Kyle down and the four Covers talked about what they were going to serve their friends when they had their sleepover. They all agreed that pizza was the easiest for them as the spaghetti caused lots of dishes and could mess up Momma's Kitchen Nook, and they didn't want to upset her.
The teens looked to Kyle as he and Matthew had talked about the sandwiches for lunch. Since Matthew wasn't there, they wanted his ideas on what sort of sandwiches they could have for lunch the following day. Kyle said they should look at the different sandwich shops websites to see what they use, and then just buy that type of meat. So, that was what the Covers did.
When it came to fixing breakfast, Billy said he'd talk to Momma to see if she knew of a company that made pre-mixed pancake batter they could buy, and then cook Sunday morning.
Momma was happy they came to her for help. She said there were major food distributors they would have to call to see if they could buy small quantities. She figured the boys would need at least twenty gallons for fifty plus breakfast goers, so she looked them up and made some phone calls.
One distributor, who sells to groups for their pancake breakfasts told them they would help them out. They also said they had the pancake syrup, plates, knives and forks. Momma told them they would be over there later that afternoon.
Momma Maria then told Bill to get his 'brothers', so they could all review their lists to see if they were missing anything. The four Covers sat in the Kitchen Nook and talked about the three different meals and what was planned. Inwardly, all four were happy. Momma was happy she could help, and the boys were happy she could tell them what they'd forgotten.
Mary Taylor was surprised at what she was seeing that her friend Ken was building at the top of the office building out at the lake. Ken told her it was going to be a getaway vacation retreat for him, and maybe his family when he got married, but that with six boys now it would be way too small for them as it was.
Ken Thomas told her he would probably take the boys there once or twice, but eventually he would probably rent the high-end penthouse out, as it would not be practical for him and the boys. Mary Taylor said she understood and then wanted to go look at the space.
Mr. Ken told Mr. Chris he was going to the office building and should be back around one. He stopped in the Kitchen Nook to tell Momma the same thing, and was surprised to see her and the boys going over the meal plans and a big smile on the woman's face.
Mr. Wayne arrived at The Cove just past twelve noon as he said he would. Momma had a simple lunch ready for him, Chris and the boys, but two boys were missing. The Estate Master could see Matthew and Charles were out on the lake sailing the small training sailboats, along with the other ten boys. He decided to go down there to wave them all in, as they had to be cold and hungry by then.
The rest of the Covers' friends had arrived and were up at the Skate Park enjoying the expansive facility. Robert's friends decided they'd take care of filling the dispensers and putting the sodas on ice, so they would be ready for when they had their barbeque later. No other boy helped.
Mr. Ken came home in time to have a late lunch. And again, he found a gaggle of boys being fed lunch. He smiled, sat down and ate. He did ask Billy if he and his 'brothers had their meal plans ready and had talked to Momma.
Billy told his foster dad that Momma helped them fine tune the meals, and he had to approve them before she would go out and buy everything. He also said he and Robert would go with her as there was way more than she should have to deal with herself. He also asked if she could take the van as they would need lots of space for all the sodas they needed for the weekend.
Mr. Wayne said it would be better if he followed along with the truck for the sodas they needed, and asked if Chris could take Kevin to his dentist appointment. Mr. Ken raised his eyebrows and then looked to Chris for his take. The Estate Manager said he could do that, as he was caught up with everything, but he did have to talk to Mr. Ken before he left for the weekend.
Mr. Ken did approve the boys ordering 30 18-inch pizzas for Saturday evening for a 6:30 to 7 p.m. delivery. He also saw that Momma added a sheet cake to be ordered and picked up tomorrow at the grocery store, so the boys had something for their midnight snack.
The owner of The Cove saw they were also headed to the food distributor where they would buy twenty gallons of pre-mixed pancake batter, a dispenser for even sized pancakes, oil, two spatulas, a grill scraper and enough syrup to cover them. On the list were also packages of pre-cooked bacon, butter, plates, knives, forks, cups and napkins, but were listed to be bought at the big box store where they get their bulk supplies.
Lunch caught the man by surprise. He saw they would also buy large quantities of pre-sliced meats from the food distributor while they were there. He saw there was baked ham, salami, pepperoni, thinly sliced turkey, chicken breast and roast beef. He also saw they would buy extra tomatoes, lettuce, onions and two types of cheese and lots of rolls from where they buy their bulk items. There was also extra milk and orange juice on the list, as well as different types of chips.
Coupled with all the sodas the boys needed, he knew that Wayne was needed to follow along with the F-150 to just carry them while Momma, Bill and Robert got the rest of the foodstuffs. He told Wayne to take one of the other boys to help load the soda into the back of the truck.
"'Dad', don't you think we should tell our friends that we're planning, you know, a sleepover for tomorrow night?" spoke up a smiling Matthew.
"Yes, I guess you boys should. So, go. Tell them, and then be ready to go help Momma and Mr. Wayne get the foods you need," said 'dad' Ken.
The Cover boys headed out the garage, loaded into a golf cart and drove up to the Pavilion. When they got there, they let Kyle tell everyone about the sleepover, since it was his idea and he asked their 'dad' point blank and without any hesitation.
"Hey everyone," called out Kyle. "I've got great news for everyone. We talked to our 'dad' and ...; and he's letting us have a sleepover tomorrow night."
You would have thought someone had just won the biggest lottery in the world as the boys yelled so loudly. The boys jumped around and around and thanked the Covers for that great news.
Billy's friends went over to him to make sure it wasn't a joke being played on them. They remembered him telling them his foster dad said there would be no sleepovers until they returned from their trip.
Billy told them that last night Kyle asked Mr. Ken, and his foster dad had them tell him, what they would feed them for dinner, then breakfast and lunch the following day, without making Momma Maria do all the work. The older Cover said they had to plan the meals and what foods they needed and how much.
Billy told them they finalized the plans that morning and Mr. Ken approved them just before Kyle told them about the sleepover for tomorrow. The older Cover added that he and Robert were going with Momma to buy what they needed and wouldn't be back until later that afternoon.
Kaden was the most stoked about the sleepover. He never thought he'd get the chance to be invited to a sleepover and here, less than a week after school was over, he was. Billy told his friends they needed to bring a sleeping bag, a pillow, if they wanted, and a change of clothes.
Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne pulled up in a golf cart and came over to the boys and Mr. Ken asked for their attention. He asked them if they heard about the sleepover. The boys all yelled they had. The man then told the boys he wanted them to take their swim towel home tonight and to bring a fresh one tomorrow, and that they needed to do that at least once every week.
Mr. Ken then told the boys that Bill and Robert's plan to have a Cover and their friends to be responsible for the barbeque each day was a good one, and said they needed to implement it or something similar. He added he would talk to the lifeguards and have them fill in with Kevin and Kyle's group.
Billy and Robert then headed down to the garage to catch up with Momma to go with her to buy what they needed to buy for the sleepover and the barbeques over the weekend. Charles was going to go with Mr. Wayne, but if he did, according to the new Rule, all of Billy's, Robert's and Charles' friends would have to leave The Cove. So, Cooper and David jumped up and volunteered to go with Mr. Wayne.
Mr. Ken smiled at the boys' offer to help without being asked. So, he went looking for the lifeguards to talk to them about what they might suggest they use, if not the paddle boards, and also that they start helping with the barbeques.
Mr. Chris did take Kevin to the dentist after he told Mr. Ken about what the sailing instructors told him about the used sailboats. Mr. Ken asked him to check on the used boats next week, take a few pictures, get their price and they'll talk about them before the trip.
"Russell, Jordan and Gavin, did you get a chance to talk about what you might want to use instead of paddle boards out in the cove?" asked Mr. Ken.
Russell, being the oldest, took the question and told their employer that they talked about it and asked if a covered electric paddle boat could also be considered. The senior said that last year the sun was brutal and it would be nice to have some shade as they floated out on the water as they watched the boys swim.
Mr. Ken asked Russell to bring a picture tomorrow of what they were suggesting. The owner of The Cove then talked to the lifeguards about the barbeque. He told them that they needed to be a part of it. Their employer then explained how they would be incorporated into the rotation and they needed to get to know the boys they will work with, the schedule and what they will need to do. He told them to get with Bill, Robert and/or Charles.
Mr. Ken then told the three lifeguards that Megan and Audrey did not renew their licenses and would not be returning to work at The Cove. He asked if they had any names for him as he wanted to hire two more guards before he departed next Thursday.
All three lifeguards had names and gave them to the man. Mr. Ken told the lifeguards he would call their recommendations tonight to come in for an interview tomorrow. He said they could call their friends, so they knew the call was coming.
Mr. Ken then told the guards that his 'sons' were having a sleepover tomorrow night and he needed the three of them to plan to work up until at least midnight. He said it would be a long day for them, but their paycheck would be nice the following week. He also told them to watch for their new equipment that was due there later that afternoon. He asked them to set it up and begin using it starting tomorrow.
Mr. Ken then sent them up to the Pavilion to get to know Kevin and Kyle, and see what part they would play when it came time to put on the barbeque.
It was close to 4 p.m. when Momma, Billy, Robert, Mr. Wayne, Cooper and David returned to The Cove with all the foodstuffs they needed for the sleepover on Saturday night. They drove over to the Pavilion where all the boys helped move the supplies into the refrigerator, or onto the shelves. When they finished bringing in all the refrigerated foods for the sleepover, the large refrigerator was almost overflowing.
On top of all the food items they brought back, they had to unload 120 cases of soda out of the bed of the truck. Having all those boys came in handy as each took a case of soda and then stacked them in the storage closet and came back for another one. Mr. Wayne also brought back 10 cases of water and the boys had to find space in the storage room for that, as well.
None of the boys got to swim that day. When it came time to burn the burgers and dogs, Charles had Russell, Jordan and Gavin watch the grill masters and then they even took over the grill and finished cooking the burgers and hotdogs. The lifeguards also saw where everything was kept and what was needed to be done to clean up after they were all finished eating.
It had been a busy day at The Cove for everyone. Mr. Ken told Momma to order the cake for tomorrow and then go home. He told the boys they would go out for dinner after all their friends left.
That evening, the Covers sat in the Study and talked about the day, the upcoming sleepover and getting the lifeguards involved in the barbeques.
Charles told how he had Russell, Jordan and Gavin help at the grill, and with the clean up afterwards. He explained they would be added to Kevin and Kyle's groups to give them some older leaders, but they were to do their share of the work, as well.
Billy said he and his 'brothers' worked on the meal planning for the sleepover and with Momma's help fine-tuned it. He said Momma Maria was a great help because he hadn't done anything like that before, and she gave them hints at what they missed and needed to do to make the meals successful.
Robert said everyone was looking forward to the sleepover, and would be bringing their stuff with them tomorrow when they come over around noon. He asked if they could store their things where they usually sleep inside the house, so they were out of the way.
Mr. Ken said that would be good as long as they were not in the aisle where someone could trip on them later when they all go swim. Mr. Ken then asked where they planned to eat their pizza. He followed up the questions with where they planned to have their midnight snack, and what did they plan to drink.
Billy said they'd like to order the pizza for delivery by 6:30 and eat it up at the Pavilion. He said they could set up the griddles for breakfast on Sunday morning and use them to reheat the pizza, if necessary. He said they needed to ice down the sodas early, so probably after they burned the burgers and dogs someone needs to do that.
Charles said they could bring iced down sodas to the garage for when they have the cake Momma ordered. The teen asked who would go pick it up for them, since none of them had a driver's license yet. Laughing, Mr. Ken said either he or Mr. Wayne would go and get it.
Mr. Ken asked who was going to be the cooks Sunday morning. Robert spoke up and said it was their sleepover and all of them were going to be up and working the breakfast, to the chagrin of the twins, especially Kevin. The teen said he'd get them all up at eight and they'd set up the counter with the plates, knives, forks, spoons, butter, syrup and start cooking the pancakes and reheating the bacon.
Kyle then offered that for lunch he'll ask their friends to help set up the counter with the plates, napkins and whatever else they need to make the sandwiches. He did say that Momma told them to fill those plastic holders they used to keep the salads cold with ice, and use them to keep the meats cold, as well.
The boys talked about all the things they needed to do and Billy had his checklist and was carefully checking it and anytime someone said something, that wasn't there, and it sounded like it should be, he added it.
It was close to 10 p.m. when Mr. Ken sent the boys up to bed. He told them to get ready for bed and he and Mr. Wayne would be up there shortly.
The men didn't spend a lot of time speaking with the boys that night. They all told one another to have a good night, to sleep well and that they would see one another in the morning. Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne then headed to their own comfortable beds.
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